International education organization offers emergency aid to Haitian students at US schools

Emergency grants offered to Haitian students in US

NEW YORK — Haitians enrolled as international students at American colleges and universities could get emergency grants if they’re facing financial difficulties in the wake of the Haiti earthquake.

The Institute of International Education announced Wednesday that it is offering grants of up to $2,000 to undergraduate and graduate students from Haiti studying here.

The nonprofit advocacy organization headquartered in New York tracks international students in the U.S. It says more than 850 are from Haiti.

Colleges with eligible students can nominate them for the grants. The organization says the number of grants given out will depend on available funds; a grand total hasn’t been determined.

The grants are for Haitian citizens here on student visas; American citizens and permanent residents are not eligible.